Are you a Guitar Collector? Discover the Rarest and Most Valuable Guitars Now!
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Do you have a thing for collecting guitars? Collecting guitars has increasingly become one of the most popular hobbies around the world. Some collectors buy them for their sentimental value, while others purchase them for their rarity or investment value. Regardless of the reason, guitars remain one of the most cherished instruments among musical instrument enthusiasts.
As a guitar enthusiast and collector, there are certain guitars you can’t resist adding to your collection. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the rarest and most valuable guitars in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, we’ve got you covered.
Historical and Iconic Guitars
Some guitars have transcended music and become icons. They are famous for their associations with famous musicians and their role in shaping music history. Below are some of the most historical and iconic guitars entailing music history.
Gibson Les Paul 1959 Sunburst
The Gibson Les Paul 1959 Sunburst is arguably the most legendary and valuable guitar in the world. It is the Holy Grail for guitar collectors and is unanimously considered one of the most beautiful guitars ever made. The stunning sunburst finish and its superior sound quality make this guitar highly attractive to collectors. This guitars’ track record is as impressive as its looks, with icons like Jimmy Page, Slash, Eric Clapton and Keith Richards having owned one. Because of its rarity and musical significance, it’s not uncommon for this guitar to fetch millions of dollars at auctions.
Fender Telecaster
The Fender Telecaster, also known as the “Tele,” is one of the most recognizable guitars ever produced. This six-string guitar was first produced in 1950 and quickly became a sensation. The Telecaster was the first guitar to boast a solid-body, which created a new standard for electric guitar design. Undoubtedly, this guitar’s extreme durability and versatility make it an excellent investment for collectors.
Gibson SG
The Gibson SG is one of the most iconic guitars in rock music history. Over decades it’s become a classic for guitar enthusiasts due to its sculpted appearance and excellent sound quality. It has featured in recordings by Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Black Sabbath. The Gibson SG boasts a unique history and vintage models sometimes fetch astronomical prices at auction, particularly those related to famous musicians.
Limited-Edition Guitars
Limited editions tend to be in high demand, given their rarity and exclusiveness. These guitars usually have unique features and intricate details that set them apart from other models.
Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster
The Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster is a limited edition guitar with models varying from 50 to 150 produced annually. These guitars are the epitome of excellent craftsmanship, with the custom shop producing guitars tailored to the specific needs of the individual. They may boast unique finishes, sounds, or hardware. This guitar is an investment for any collector with limited funds, with prices ranging from $5,000 to $20,000
Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton
The Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton is a limited edition guitar designed by legendary jazz fusion guitarist Larry Carlton. This guitar was produced between 2008 and 2016, with only 335 models being produced annually. Its unique feature is its beautiful inlay patterns on the fretboard, a design standard in Carlton’s other guitar models. For collectors, acquiring this guitar is a no-brainer, given its rarity and place in musical history.
Custom Guitars
Custom guitars are another level of guitar collecting. They offer individuality and a unique experience for any guitar collector. It all begins with designing a guitar from scratch to meet specific needs and preferences.
PRS Private Stock Custom 24
The PRS Private Stock Custom 24 is a custom-built guitar designed to client specifications. PRS started to offer these guitars in 1996 and has since become the go-to guitar brand for custom guitars. They boast a range of exotic woods, finishes, and inlays. PRS offers endless customization options, with their custom shop catering to superstar clients like Carlos Santana. The cost of PRS Custom Shop guitars ranges from $8,000 to over $500,000, depending on the specifications agreed upon.
Gibson SG Standard Bass
The Gibson SG Standard bass is a custom-designed bass guitar that is not only aesthetically appealing but also an excellent musical instrument. This guitar is designed to fit a wide range of playing styles. It boasts a sleek and unique design, with a contoured body while also catering to a wide range of music genres, including rock, funk, and jazz.
Guitars Owned by Famous Musicians
Having a guitar owned by a legendary musician is the ultimate prize for any collector. For collectors like Eric Clapton, owning a historical or iconic guitar is more of a necessity than a luxury. Below are two of the most coveted guitars with rich history:
Blackie
Blackie is Eric Clapton’s custom-made guitar that he used throughout his iconic performances in the ’70s and ’80s. It’s a composite made of three different vintage Fender Stratocasters, each of which consists of the best parts of the guitar. With a stunning black finish, which is why it’s called “Blackie,” it’s one of the most admired guitars ever played.
Lenny
Another guitar owned by a legendary musician is Lenny, owned by Stevie Ray Vaughan. Lenny is a 1965 Fender Stratocaster produced in limited edition Eleventh Anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster. It has an intriguing story, having been named for Stevie’s wife, Lenny, to cut it short and make it easier for her to grab and play it. It’s now on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, USA.
Vintage Guitars
The rarest and most valuable guitars are usually vintage guitars. These are guitars that were produced before the 80s and were not mass-produced. Their rarity and fine craftsmanship make them highly coveted by collectors. Below are two vintage guitars that are highly sought after:
1958 Gibson Explorer
The Gibson Explorer was first produced in 1958, it was not widely adopted and was then discontinued until demand picked up between the later 70s and the 80s when it rose in popularity. This guitar is asymmetrical, which was a rarity back in the day. Its unique design and sound quality have made it one of the most desirable guitars in history. It’s estimated to be worth over $1M.
1959 Fender Jazzmaster
The Fender Jazzmaster was first produced between 1958 and 1960, and its unique offset design has made it a classic among collectors. The 1959 Jazzmaster, in particular, is the most coveted model because of its superior sound quality. This guitar is highly regarded by jazz musicians and gains value with each passing day.
Collecting Rare Guitars is a Rewarding Pastime
Collecting guitars is not only a rewarding hobby but also an investment. To avid collectors, acquiring a rare guitar is a great addition to their collection. They have value beyond their musical ability, making them an excellent investment choice. Whether you go for historical and iconic guitars, limited-edition guitars, custom guitars, guitars owned by famous musicians, or vintage guitars, each type of guitar has its own unique appeal.
Happy collecting!
FAQs
What makes a guitar valuable?
Several factors contribute to making a guitar valuable. Rarity, historical significance, ownership history, and craftsmanship determine a guitar’s value. Age may also play a role, particularly for vintage guitars.
Why do people collect guitars?
Guitars represent an emotional attachment to the musical and cultural history of our society. Collecting guitars is a hobby that is both rewarding and engaging. For some individuals, it’s about the appeal of the instrument, while for others, it’s about the value of the instrument as a long-term investment.
Are rare or valuable guitars a good investment?
Yes, rare or valuable guitars are a good investment. Not only do they appreciate in value over time, but they also offer an emotional satisfaction and can be valuable aesthetically.
What are the best selling guitars of all time?
The Fender Stratocaster is one of the most popular guitars of all time. Other best-selling guitars include the Gibson Les Paul, the Fender Telecaster, and the Gibson SG.
What is the most expensive guitar in the world?
The most expensive guitar in the world is the Fender Stratocaster “Reach Out to Asia,” which sold in a charity auction for $2.7 million. It was signed by legendary guitarist Bryan Adams, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, and musicians from Pink Floyd, The Eagles, and Led Zeppelin, among others.
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